Senior health tips, facts and other information
Health tip of the month
Know the symptoms of a heart attack - it could save your life:
- Pain or discomfort in your chest, one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling faint or woozy
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 and say:
"I think I'm having a heart attack."
Every day, you have a chance to make good choices about your health. There are many ways you
can incorporate healthy activity into your day. Sometimes it's just knowing a little more about
your health; sometimes it's finding out new information that makes a difference.
Here are some basic health tips that you can start practicing today.
Previous health tips
Don't be fooled by health fraud scams.
- Before buying unproven or little know treatments, check with your doctor first.
- Consumers spend a fortune on worthless products that may cause harm.
- Trying something unproven can delay getting proper treatment.
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Make choices to empower you this season.
- Focus on the joy of living.
- Do the things you are able to do. Don't dwell upon what you can't do.
- What we do eat is at least as important as what we don't eat. Pay attention and savor what you are eating.
- Reconnect with friends/family.
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Lifestyle changes MAY relieve frequent and persistent heartburn or acid indigestion . . .
You could have GERD or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. Simple lifestyle changes MAY help, but if severe, you may need medical treatment.
To find out more about GERD, talk with your doctor or visit webmd.com. 
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Use Medicare Part B Preventive Services
to stay healthy at little or no cost.
It is recommended that you see your doctor at least once a year to make sure you are healthy and stay that way.
If you have Medicare Part B, there are many new preventive services available to you at little or no cost. Talk with your doctor to find which of these services are right for you.
You can see what services are available here.
You can also Google search for more information with search words "Medicare Preventive."
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Prevent spreading germs to help you and others stay well.
- Cover your cough to prevent the spread of illnesses thru the air.
- Wash your hands to protects you from bringing germs to your mouth from surfaces that you touch.
- Stay home if you are sick to prevent spreading it to others.
- Get a Flu shot every year.
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Eat a "healthy plate of food."
Do you know what a healthy plate of food should look like?
- Make half your plate vegetables and fruit.
- Make the other half plate lean protein and grains.
- And don't forget the dairy.
Find out more info at:
ChooseMyPlate.gov
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Should you exercise if you have arthritis? YES!
Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance.
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Talk to your doctor about ANY pain you have.
Pain is NOT a normal part of aging. Utilize a
pain diary to tell your story and a pain scale to
rate your pain. Be descriptive by stating
- How your pain
FEELS
- How your pain BEHAVES
- How INTENSE your pain is
Remember,
you are the expert on your pain.
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Take your blood pressure medications EVERY day.
Do you have high blood pressure?
Do you take medication for high blood pressure?
It is important to take your blood pressure medications every day. Take your medications even when your blood pressure comes down . . . even when you feel fine.
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Keep a “File of Life” on your refrigerator.
Who will talk for you if you have an emergency?
If you are in this situation, paramedics will look for a “File of Life”
on your refrigerator. If you don’t have a File of Life, you can download a form
here (113KB, 3-page PDF).
Fill out the form and put
it in an envelope marked “File of Life” Tape it to the front
of your refrigerator or use a magnet.
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Consider getting a shot to prevent Shingles.
Are you over 60? Have you ever had chicken pox?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may want to consider getting a
shot to prevent Shingles. Zostavax can help decrease the risk of getting shingles. Talk to your doctor and
insurance company to see if Zostavax is an option for you.
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Recognize when a stroke is happening.
You can often recognize when a STROKE is happening by asking the person to:
- Smile.
- Raise both arms.
- Speak a simple sentence.
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, it may be a stroke. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
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For more information, contact:
Bloomington Public Health Division
1900 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431
PH: 952-563-8900 V/TTY
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Interpreters and transportation information are available upon request.
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